Illegal-fishing investigation hits Venice seafood restaurant Dudley Market
Key takeaways
- Dudley Market is known for its fresh seafood, and customers come for its oysters, crudo, sashimi, fried fish collars and fish tacos just off the Boardwalk.
- Now some have been barred from commercial fishing, according to prosecutors in L.A. and Santa Barbara.
- Mitchell, who also sells seafood to other L.A. restaurants, says he was learning a complicated system of local, state and federal fishing regulations at the time and that he has operated in compliance since 2021.
Line-caught tuna sashimi at Dudley Market, pictured July 2024. (Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times) By Stephanie Breijo Staff Writer Follow June 3, 2026 1:35 PM PT 5 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
After a yearslong investigation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said Dudley Market violated state fishing laws, and staff, fishermen and businesses associated with the popular Venice restaurant and wine bar were hit with $150,000 in penalties and court fees.
Dudley Market is known for its fresh seafood, and customers come for its oysters, crudo, sashimi, fried fish collars and fish tacos just off the Boardwalk. Owner Conner Mitchell, former manager Taylor Grant, boat owner Gilmer Grant and boat captain Cody Martin were all involved in catching local fish such as yellowtail, rockfish and Pacific tuna.